Geneva Preview: Peugeot 2008 HYbrid Air

At the 2013 Geneva Motor Show Peugeot is not only bringing the production version of the all-new 2008 urban crossover along, they will also unveil a HYbrid Air version of the car. The 2008 Hybrid Air uses the same system Citroen has developed for its C3 Hybrid Air Concept.

It is an ingenious hybrid powertrain that uses compressed air instead of an electric motor, and is so light and compact, it can be fitted to all B and C segments cars without affecting the interior or luggage space. What’s more, the system is mostly mechanical, which means maintenance is easy and low-cost.

PSA is yet to reveal full details of their Hybrid Air system, but in the 2008 it is combined with a three-cylinder petrol engine and is said to offer up to 140 mpg. The ingredients of this sophisticated hybrid solution include an energy tank containing pressurised air installed under the body in the central tunnel, a low pressure tank at the rear suspension cross member acting as an expansion bottle and an hydraulic unit consisting of a motor and a pump installed under the bonnet on the transmission.

Just like the Citroen, Peugeot 2008 HYbrid Air offers three driving modes of Air, Petrol, and Hybrid. Air mode is the zero-emission mode, and hybrid is the full-power mode. This technology is definitely something we will be hearing more and more about over the coming months.

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